Debi,
Yes we need to have women advocate for themselves, but being in labor in a
hospital I felt more like a victim--the whole process went on, very routinely
around me, & it didn't seem to matter what "I" thought or wanted--"they" did
whatever they wanted!

#1 suggestion in my book:  have someone to advocate for you--preferably a
trained doula tactful enough to interact with you and medical staff, if they
are resistant to being questioned.  Some hubby's may work, but I don't really
believe this is their role--especially if this is 1st baby for both of you.

Of course get a health care provider supportive of your birth philosophy--and
ask LOTS of questions.  Such as what are their epidural, episiotomy, c-sec,
and breastfeeding rates, if these are important issues to you.  Many Dr's are
used to answering these routine questions, but dig to get the real
answers--and call the hospital to ask same questions.
   When interventions are considered, ask why, and what are the
risks/benefits.  I don't think you will always get a straight answer, but be
an informed consumer.--or hire someone that you trust & knows your birth
philosophy,who can advocate for you.
  Many birth issues are of course integral to BF initiation.  Ideally baby
comes out & is placed on mom.  Suctioning, Vit K injection, eye ointment
(blurrs vision), Apgars, wt check, footprints, etc may be routine for
hospital deleveries, but can normally be done either later, or while on mom
(or not at all?).
  There are many more on this list that can contribute to this subject, that
are more qualified than I am.  I am just a skeptical, experienced consumer
who thought she was educated & careful the first time around, and ended in
many (probably unnecessary) interventions & C-sec, and who is MUCH more
educated now, planning a homebirth or birth center VBAC in October!
Sandy Arnold BS, IBCLC